Chipotle
Nearly 2,000 scholarship and walk-on athletes at Ohio State University, the University of Florida, and the University of Georgia will be receiving customized cards from Chipotle Mexican Grill that entitles them to one free entree per week for 15 weeks during their athletic season. The deal is part of the expanded NIL program that began last year exclusively with Ohio State athletes.
“Our restaurants near each of these universities are frequently filled with student athletes looking for a quick and nutritious meal that can help them thrive in the classroom and on the field,” said Chris Brandt, President, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. “By expanding our college card program to three universities this academic year, we’re democratizing NIL for nearly 2,000 student athletes and increasing their access to real food when they need it the most.”
Why those three universities?
According to the company, Ohio State, Florida and Georgia are all among the top 30 four-year universities that eat the most Chipotle. 98% of student athletes at The Ohio State University eat Chipotle at least once a month. 94% of University of Florida student athletes consider Chipotle to be one of their top three favorite restaurants. And nearly 80% of University of Georgia student athletes consider Chipotle to be an important part of their training regimen, according to a survey of over 1,100 student athletes at the three schools.
In addition to all of the free food the athletes at the three universities will receive, the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation has established a four-year scholarship for an in-state student attending Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The foundation will also providing over $100,000 in undergraduate research awards for students conducting research within the agricultural, farming and food programs at the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
What the schools are saying
“We’re excited to continue growing this collaboration with a brand that shares our commitment to empowering student athletes to be their authentic and best selves,” said Logan Hittle, The Ohio State University’s Associate Athletic Director, NIL & Strategic Initiatives.
“Partnering with Chipotle is thrilling for us, and we appreciate the brand’s commitment to include every student athlete,” said Darren McPhail, General Manager of Florida Gators Sports Properties. “We’re passionate about doing everything we can to set our athletes up for success, and we believe this collaboration with Chipotle helps us do just that.”
“Chipotle’s emphasis on real ingredients resonates deeply with our entire athletic program,” said Alan Thomas, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Georgia. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the best resources, including nutrition, for our athletes.”